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Digitized by tine Internet Archive 
in 2010 witin funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/poemsforseamenOOsigo 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



POETRY 



FOR 



SEAMEN. 



BY 






MRS. L. H. SIGOURNEY 



^■^ 




BOSTON: 
JAMES MUNROE AND COMPANY 

MDCCCXLV. 



7^ 2. * 



•^a* 

^ 



^^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1845, by 

James Mxjnroe and Company, 

in the Clerk's OfRce of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



BOSTON: 

PRINTED BY THURSTON, TORRY AND CO. 

31 Devonshire Street. 



PREFACE. 



One of the pleasant features of our own times, is 
an increasing sympathy for those whose home is on 
the wave. It is surprising that they should have been 
so long neglected or forgotten ; for it is scarcely pos- 
sible to make a voyage without feeling an interest in 
those on whose exertions its comfort and safety de- 
pend. 

With a fair wind and favoring tide, when the ship 
holds on her way like a thing of life, the skill of those 
who guide, and the dexterity of those who obey,' af- 
ford subject for curious observation. But in the storm, 
on the reef, or among the icebergs, their patient en- 
durance of hardship, and generous forgetfulness of 
self, are deeply affecting. Such memories have moved 
to the composition of the following simple poems, and 
highly will their writer be gratified, if either in the 



VI PREFACE. 

cabin or forecastle, they might be found worthy to 
awaken a salutary thought of home and country, or of 
the Great Ruler of earth and sea. 

L. II. S. 



CONTENTS. 



THE SISTER'S FAREWELL, 1 

TOM HARDY, 4 

THE WHALER'S SONG, 8 

INTEMPERANCE, II 

HYMN AT SEA, 14 

MIDNIGHT THOUGHTS AT SEA, 15 

THE SAILOR'S APPEAL, 17 

CHILD IN A STORM, 20 

HOMEAVARD BOUND, 23 

THE HEROIC SAILOR, 25 

THOUGHTS OF HOME, 28 

HOPE IN GOD, 30 

LESSON OF THE SEA, 32 

LINES, 34 

PRAYERS AT SEA, 36 

PARTING, 38 

DRINKING SONG, 40 

" I WENT TO SEA," 41 

THE SAILOR'S SICK CHILD, 46 

THE SHIPWRECK, 50 

HYMN FOR THANKSGIVING DAY, 56 

PRAYER IN SICKNESS, 58 

DELIVERANCE FROM DANGER, CO 

BURIAL AT SEA, G2 



THE SISTER'S FAREWELL 

TO THE SAILOR-BOY. 

Since where waves are gliding 
And the tall ship riding 

Thou dost choose to dwell, 
Where the sea-bird screameth, 
And the bright flag gleameth. 

Brother, fare thee well. 

Where the orchard shineth, 
Where the grape-vine twineth, 

Or the nut-tree laden, 
Thou, while song-birds waken, 
Hast with strong arm shaken 

For some bright-eyed maiden, — 
1 



% sister's farewell 

Where in summer weather, 
Oft we 've played together, 

'Neath the old oak tree, 
With our dog beside us. 
While no sorrow tried us, 

I '11 remember thee. 

Where the brook is sheenest. 
And the leaves are greenest, 

In the forest fair, 
With a sad emotion, 
Rover of the ocean, 

I shall miss thee there. 

When dark skies are pouring. 
And loud tempests roaring. 

Sea-boy, wilt thou be 
High among the shrouds. 
Wet by dripping clouds. 

Thinking then of me ? 



TO THE SAILOR-BOY. 

Should temptations try thee, 
Bid the evil fly thee, 

Making God thy guide : 
Dearest sailor brother, 
Let us love each other, 

Whatsoe'er betide. 

Heavy night-winds swelling 
Round our quiet dwelling, 
Shall thy form restore : 

Thinking of the billow, 

On my restless pillow, 
I '11 for thee implore. 

Oh God ! to whom we cried 
Our cradle beds beside. 

When life was free from pain ,- 
From the storms above him. 
To the hearts that love him. 

Bring him safe again. 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



TOM HARDY. 

Tom Hardy was a merry lad. 

His pleasant face made others glad. 

Like suns that cloudless shine ; 
Aloft he ran with right good will, 
The topsail reefed with ready skill, 

And snugly clewed the line. 

Obedient still at every call, 

And friendly to his messmates all, 

For others' pain he felt ; 
And ever neatest of the crew, 
On Sundays, in his jacket blue. 

At morning prayers he knelt. 



TOM HARDY. 5 

No draught he took to cheer his mind, 
The temperance pledge he early signed, 

Nor from that promise roved ; 
In every duty free from blame. 
Blow high, blow low, 't was all the same, 

Still happy and beloved. 

But once, upon a sickly shore, 
The burning fever smote him sore, 

And when we shipped again, 
Still to his sad disease a prey, 
He wasted like the snow away. 

And all our care was vain. 

So, with weak hand, he took the key 
From out his chest, and gave it me : 

'' This to my mother take. 
My little all to her I leave, 
And tell her not too much to grieve, 

For her lost sea-boy's sake. 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 

Here is the Bible that she gave, 
It was my compass on the wave 

When prosperous skies were fair ; 
And now, when darksome billows roll, 
It is an anchor to my soul, 

That drives away despair. 

Cut from my temples, when I 'm dead, 
A curling lock of hair, he said, 

For my sweet Mary dear : 
I know she '11 truly mourn for me, 
Who slumber in the far, deep sea. 

No more her voice to hear. 

And now, my peace with God is made, 
So, not of the last foe afraid, 

I meet a watery grave j 
For near me, with an outstretched hand, 
I see my blest Redeemer stand, 

My parting soul to save." 



TOM HARDY. i 

Bright rose the morn, but cold as lead 
Lay poor Tom Hardy, pale and dead ; 

Though yet a smile of joy 
Sate on his face, while sad and true ^ 
The roughest tar amid the crew 

Mourned for the sailor-boy. 

Now, sometimes while my watch I keep 
At lonely midnight, on the deep, 

When all is calm and clear, 
I seem to hear his well-known voice, 
" Oh messmate, make your God your choice. 
And to His haven steer." 



8 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



THE WHALER'S SONG. 



There she lies ! — There she lies ! 

Like a mountain-isle on Ocean's breast. 

' Where aioay ? " Just three points west, 

Where the white surge meets the skies. 

Head the vessel ! Trim the sail ! 

Let us see this mighty whale. 



There she blows ! — There she blows ! 

Man the boats ! for nothing stay ! 
Such a prize we cannot lose, 

Stretch to your oars ! away ! away ! 



THE whaler's song. 

Grapple closer, careful steer, 
Launch the harpoon, laugh at fear, 
Plunge it deep, the barbed spear. 
Strike the lance, in swift career, 

Give her line ! Give her line ! 
Down she goes, through the foaming brine, 
Sponge the side, where the flying coil 
Marks the monster's speed and toil ; 
But though she dives to the deepest ground, 
Which the plummet fails to sound, 

'T is all in vain ! All in vain ! 

She hath that within her side. 

Will surely bring her up again. 



Spout ! Spout ! Spout ! 

The waves are maddening all about. 
Every billow on its head 
Strangely wears a crest of red ; 

How she lashes the seething main. 
In her flurry and her pain ; 



10 THE whaler's song. 

Take good heed, my hearts of oak, 
Of her terrible flukes, as she tortured lies. 

Lest they hurl us to the skies : 
But lo ! the pride of her strength is broke.. 
Heavy she lies, as a mass of lead, 
The mighty-monarch whale is dead ! 



Row ! Row ! Row ! 
In our ship she must go. 
Changed by fire to a liquid stream, 
Over the broad Pacific's swell. 
Round Cape Horn, where the tempests dwell. 
Many a night and many a day, 
Home with us, she must sail away, 
Till we joyful hail once more. 
Old Nantucket's treeless shore ; 
There when the fair whom we love to please, 
Sit by the fireside at their ease. 
Let them remember, if they will, 
The hardy tar, who on seas afar 
Risked his life their lamp to fill. 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 11 



INTEMPERANCE. 

There 's a draught that causeth sadness. 
Though of mirth it seems the friend ; 

To the brain it mounts in madness, 
And in folly hath its end. 

'Neath its sway the sailor reeleth, 

Helpless, abject and forlorn ; 
All his good resolves it stealeth, 

Every duty bids him scorn ; 

Gives the land-sharks power to fleece him, 
All his hard-earned wages keep, 

Or unwillingly release him 

From worse shipwreck than the deep. 



12 INTEMPERANCE. 

To his household-hearth it creepeth, 
And the fire in winter dies ; 

There, a lonely woman weepeth. 
While the famished infant cries. 

Bloated form and brow it bringeth. 
Limbs that totter to and fro. 

And at last like scorpion stingeth. 
To an agony of woe. 

• 

Round the landsman's feet it weaveth 
Snares that blind his eyes in gloom,, 

Sin it sows, and shame receiveth. 
Frowns of hate, and deeds of doom. 

Bitter words of strife it teacheth, 

Striketh kind affections dead ; 
Even beyond the grave it reacheth, 
To the judgment-bar of dread. 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 13 

Have we any room to doubt it, 

When its evil fruits we see ? 
Messmates ! let us do without it, 

Break its thraldom and be free. 

Hath not life enough of sorrow. 

Sickness, anguish, and decay. 
That we needs must madly borrow 

Thorns to plant its shortening way ? 

There 's a draught that heaven distilleth, 

Pure as crystal from the skies, 
Freely, whosoever willeth. 

May partake it, and be wise. 



14 POETRY FOR SEA.MEN. 



HYMN AT SEA. 

God of the ever-rolling deep, 

In Thee is all our trust, 
Who biddest the mighty surges sweep, 

Yet spare a child of dust. 

God of the strong, unfathomed tide, 
Whose billows wild and dread 

May wreck the pomp of human pride, 
And whelm it with the dead, 

Oh grant us, as the dove of old 

Unto the ark did flee, 
As seeks the lamb the shepherd's fold. 

To find repose in Thee. 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 15 



MIDNIGHT THOUGHTS AT SEA. 

Sweeping wide o'er ocean's foam, 
Far from native land and home. 
Midnight's cloud without a ray. 
Darkening o'er our venturous way, 
While the mountain-wave is rolling. 
And the ship's bell faintly tolling, 
Saviour ! on the boisterous sea, 
Let us rest secure in Thee. 

Blast and surge, contending hoarse. 
Drive us on with headlong force, 
And the ship, which tempests urge, 
Groans and trembles at their scourge j 



16 MIDNIGHT THOUGHTS AT SEA. 

Yet if wildest tempests swell, 
Be thou near, and all is well ; 
Saviour ! on the stormy sea 
Bid us seek our strength in Thee. 

Countless wrecks are spread below, 
Where with lonely keel we go ; 
Gentle forms, and bosoms brave. 
Ocean's floor, like jewels pave. 
If with them in briny deep 
It should be our lot to sleep, 
Saviour, from the whelming sea 
Snatch our ransomed souls to Thee. 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 17 



THE SAILOR'S APPEAL. 

Ho ! dwellers on the stable land, 

Of danger Avhat know ye, 
Like ns, who brave the thundering blast, 

Upon the boisterous sea ? 
The green trees shade yon from the sun, 

You see the harvests 2:row, 
And breathe the fragrance of the gale, 

Where the first roses blow. 

You slumber long on beds of down, 
In curtained chambers warm, 

Lulled only to a deeper dream 
By the descending storm ; 
2 



18 THE sailor's appeal. 

While high amid the slippery shroud 
We find our midnight path, 

Where even the strongest mast is bowed 
Before the tempest's wrath. 



But still ye never taste the joy 

That cheers our ocean-strife, 
When on her way, our gallant bark 

Rides like a thing of life ; 
When gaily toward the wished-for port 

With favoring wind we stand. 
Or first your misty line descry, 

Hills of our native land ! 



There 's deadly peril in our path. 
Beyond the wrecking blast, 

A peril that may reach the soul 
When life's short voyage is past ; 



THE sailor's appeal. 19 

Send us your Bibles when we go 

To dare the whehning wave, 
Your men of prayer to teach us how 

To meet a watery grave. 

And Saviour ! thou whose foot sublime 

The foaming surge did tread, 
Whose hand the rash disciple drew 

From darkness and the dead, 
Be Thou our Ark when floods descend, 

When thunders shake the spheres. 
Our Ararat when tempests end, 

And the green earth appears. 



20 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



CHILD IN A STORM. 

The good ship o'er the ocean. 

Glides on, where skies are bright. 
And rolling waves right merrily 

Propel her homeward flight ; 
But lo ! the angry tempests 

Rush from their prisoning cell, 
The rocky coast frowns dark and dread, 

The wintry surges swell. 

'T is night ! Amid the breakers 

The headlong vessel goes. 
And shrieking, like a wounded man. 

Strives with her vengeful foes ; 



CHILD IN A STORM. 21 

Pale grows the boldest mariner, 

For scarce the trumpet's cry 
Is heard amid contending blasts, 

Whose warfare shakes the sky. 



How fearful is the tumult. 

The cry, the wail, the prayer. 
Wild mingling with the deafening storm 

In echoes of despair : 
But in the lowly cabin, 

Rocked by the raging sea. 
There calmly sat a beauteous boy, 

Upon his mother's knee. 



He sang a hymn of heaven, 
Then spoke so sweetly mild, 
'' The Bible saith our Saviour dear 
Doth love the little child ; 



22 CHILD IN A STORM. 

It telleth of a happy home 

Beyond the stormy sky ; 
Mother ! He '11 take us there to dwell, 

We 're not afraid to die." 



His smile was pure and peaceful 

As the pearl beneath the deep, 
When the booming battle thunders, 

Across its bosom sweep ; 
Hoarse came the words of horror 

From men of sinful life, 
While innocence, with soul serene, 

Beheld the appalling strife. 



Morn ! Morn ! — The clouds are breaking, 

The tempest's wrath is o'er, 
The shattered bark moves heavily 

To reach the welcome shore ; 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 23 

Hushed is the voice of thunder, 
And quelled the lightning's flame, 

For prayer had touched the gate of heaven,. 
And listening Mercy came. 



HOMEWARD BOUND. 

Hail distant mountain ! rearing dim 
O'er my loved land, thy lofty head, 

How welcome is thy sight to him 
So long by chart and compass led ; 

Speck though thou art, and wrapped in haze, 

Right pleasant 't is on thee to gaze. 



24 HOMEWARD BOUND. 

I 've marked the lordly TenerifFe 

Rise with rough forehead from the sea, 

Gay songsters warbling round the cliff, 
Rich strains of dulcet melody ; 

Yet rather would my longing ear 

The wild birds of my country hear. 

I 've sailed where Chimborazo towers 
Amid old Andes' giant chain. 

And where the bright Brazilian flowers 
Pour living fragrance o'er the plain ; 

But sweeter is the clustering vine 

That doth my lowly porch entwine. 

I 've roamed where Himmaleh aspires 
With snowy crest o'er Indian vales, 

And where perfumed from spicy groves 
The freighted vessel fills her sails ; 

But dearer far yon mountain hoar. 

Blest herald of my native shore. 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 25 



THE HEROIC SAILOR. 

The circumstances here related, took place during the great fire in 
the city of New York, on the night of December 16th, 1836. 

It was a fearful night ! 

The fire devouring spread 
From roof to roof, from street to street, 

And on their treasures fed ; 
Hark ! 't is a mother's cry. 

Shrill mid the tumult wild, 
As rushing toward her flame- wrapped home. 

She shrieks, '' My child ! my child ! " 

A wanderer from the wave, 

A sailor marked her woe, 
And in His feeling bosom woke 

The sympathetic glow, — 



26 THE HEROIC SAILOR. 

Q,uick up the cleaving stairs, 
With daring step he flew. 

Though sable clouds of stifling smoke 
Concealed him from their view. 



The astonished crowd beheld 

His bold, adventurous part, 
And while they for his safety feared, 

Admired his noble heart, — 
For blazing timbers fell 

To choke his dangerous road, 
And the far chamber where he groped 

Like reeking oven glowed. 



How loud the exulting shout ! 

When from that mass of flame. 
Unhurt, unshrinking, undismayed. 

The brave deliverer came, — 



THE HEROIC SAILOR. 27 

While in his victor arms 

A smiling infant lay, 
Pleased with the flash that round his bed 

Had wound its glittering ray. 

The mother's speechless tears ' 

Forth like a torrent sped. 
Yet ere the throng could learn his name 

That generous hero fled ; 
Not for the praise of man 

He wrought this deed of love, 
But on a bright, unfading page, 

'T is registered above. 



28 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



THOUGHTS OF HOME. 

A HOME I have on land, 

A humble one, and low, 
But there my best beloved friend 

Remembereth me, I know ; 
And she will teach, with glowing cheek. 
Our babe its father's name to speak. 

I keep my lonely watch 

At midnight's solemn hour, 
And when the rushing waves go by 

With wild resistless power, 
A spirit whispereth from their foam, 
" O Sailor ! Sailor ! welcome home ! " 



THOUGHTS OF HOME. 29 

'T is often in my thoughts, 

That quiet home and fair, 
And in my sea-rocked dream I see 

The infant sleeping there ; 
And tears that from his mother's eye 
Gushed when I bade them both good bye. 

Upon their love I muse, 

When wrathful tempests roar, 
And heavenward lift the earnest prayer, 

To see their face once more ; 
And joyful join the happy band 
Whose home is in my native land. 



30 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



HOPE IN GOD. 

Appear for my defence, my God, 

And let thy shield be spread 
Around the sailor's lonely heart. 

And unprotected head. 

Thine are the ocean and the land, 

And man's frail dying race. 
While those who walk in pride, thy hand 

Is able to abase. 

Let not my hope in thee be crossed, 

Who have no help beside. 
Nor on the winds my prayer be lost. 

Thou Everlasting Guide ! 



HOPE IN GOD. 31 

But bid thy mercy and thy love 

Encompass me around, 
And thoughts of heavenly comfort prove 

A balm for every wound. 

Uphold me in temptation's field, 

Where I am called to go, 
Nor let my feeble spirit yield 

To earthly sin and woe. 

For though the wildest storms may rise, 

And darkness rule the sphere, 
The hope that anchors in the skies 

Hath nought to do with fear. 



32 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



iW 



LESSON OF THE SEA. 

Go down unto the sea, 

Where white-winged navies ride, 
Whose mighty pulses heave so free 

In strong, mysterious tide ; 
Deep in whose coral-cells 

Where sunless forests weep, 
So many a wandering child of earth 

Hath laid him down to sleep. 

Go forth upon the sea, 

And at the break of morn. 
Teach its young waves the words of prayer, 

Before the day is born ; 



LESSON OF THE SEA. 33 

And when the night grows dim, 

Beguile the billows wild, 
With the holy hush of thine evening-hymn , 

As the mother lulls her child. 



Go, bow thee to the sea, 

When the heavy breakers roar, 
And a meek-hearted listener be 

To all their fearful lore ; ' 

And learn when tempests lower 

The lesson of the wave, 
'' One Voice alone can curb our power, 

One Arm alone can save." 



Go homeward from the sea, 
When its trial-hour is past. 

With deeper trust in Him who rules 
The billow and the blast ; 
3 



34 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 

And should the charms of earth 
Around thy bosom creep, 

Forget not in thine hour of mirth 
The wisdom of the deep. 



LINES 

TO THE AUTHOR OF "THIRTY YEARS FROM HOME." 

Son of the Sea! through many a clime 
Hardship and toil have marked thy way. 

The thundering battle steeped in blood, 
And the wild tempest's fearful sway. 



LINES. 35 

But now, thy peaceful hearth beside. 

Thy happier lot it is to see 
Domestic comfort flourish fair, 

And yield its cherished fruits to thee. 

Forget not in thy daily prayer 

To praise the Hand that safely led 

Thee through the perils of the wave. 
And snares of sin thy path that spread. 

Son of the Sea ! thy choice is made. 
Fast by thy Saviour's cross to cling ; 

So mayst thou reach His haven blest, 
And join the triumphs of thy King. 



36 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



PRAYERS AT SEA. 

Prayer may be sweet in cottage homes, 
Where sire and chiild devoutly kneel, 

And through the open casement nigh 
The vernal blossoms gently steal. 

Prayer may be sweet in stately halls, 
Where heart with kindred heart is blent, 

And upward to the Eternal Throne 
The hymn of praise melodious sent. 

But he, who fain .would know how strong 
The soul's appeal to God may be. 

From friends and native land should turn, 
A wanderer o'er the faithless sea ; 



PRAYERS AT SEA. 



37 



Should hear its deep imploring tone 
Rise upward o'er the thundering surge. 

When breakers threat the reeling bark, 
And winds with waves their conflict urge. 

No spot on which his foot can rest, 
■ No refuge where his form may flee, 
How will he cling, O Rock divine. 
And bind his anchoring soul to Thee. 



38 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



PARTING. 

Not of the boisterous wave. 
Not of the tempest's power, 

Not of the rent and cleaving bark, 
Speak at this sacred hour. 

God of the trusting soul ! 

God of the sailor, hear ! 
And from our parting cup of love 

Wring out these dregs of fear. 

Art thou a God at home, 

Where the bright fireside smiles, 
And not abroad, upon the deep, 

Mid danarer's deadliest wiles ? 



PARTING. 

What though the eyes so dear 

To distant regions turn, 
Their tender language in our hearts 

Like cherished flame shall burn. 

What though the voice beloved 

Reply not to our pain, 
We '11 keep its music in our souls. 

Until we meet again. 

Farewell ! May angel-guards 
Protect thy wave-rocked sleep, 

Nor shall our nightly prayers forget 
The sailor on the deep. 



39 



40 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



DRINKING SONG. 

Drink, friends, the parting hour draws nigh, 

Drink, and forget your care. 
The sultry summer-noon is high. 

Drink, and your strength repair ; 
The farmer with his toil-brown hands, 

The soldier, tired of slaughter, 
The camel mid the burning sands. 

Drink deep the crystal water. 

Our father Sun the example gives. 

Our mother Earth also ; 
He, jocund drinks, above the cloud. 

She, thirsting, drinks below : 
Drink friends, drink deep, before we part, 

To loving wife, or daughter, 
Or bright-eyed maid who rules your heart. 

Drink deep, but only water. 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



41 



''I WENT TO SEA." 

I AM a sailor, rough and bold. 

And yet my boyhood fair, 
Was nurtured in a pleasant home, 

By parents' tender care ; 
But at their hearth or by their side 

I had no mind to be, 
E'er since I heard a story told 

Of one who went to sea. 

I sat in school, but book and rule 
Still no instruction brought, 

The snowy sail and foaming flood 
So filled my roving thought ; 



42 - "l WENT TO SEA." 

And when on qniet pillow laid, 
There was no rest for me, 

For every fleeting vision sung 
The music of the sea. 



My father bade me learn a trade, 

Or till the fallow land, 
And told how healthful toil would heap 

The silver in my hand ; 
But when he died, I felt, alas ! 

From all allegiance free. 
And though my widowed mother wept, 

I left her for the sea. 



Ve sailed where arctic oceans spread, 
And icy mountains frown, 
And the fierce fire of tropic suns 
Hath burnt my forehead brown ; 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 43 

I 've sailed among the Indian isles, 

Where grows the spicy tree, 
And where the broad La Plata rolls. 

Rich tribute to the sea. 

I Ve climbed the shroud when storms blew 
loud, 

And every star was dead. 
And winter in the midnight cloud 

Had muffled up her head ; 
I 've seen our good ship go to wreck, 

For such was heaven's decree. 
And in the boat, mid breakers white, 

Have dared the raging sea. 

Yet still that Pilot, who the helm 
Of this round world doth guide. 

Preserved me when the jaws of death 
Were yawning dark and wide ,• 



44 "l WENT TO SEA.'* 

Though when the blast was safely past, 

Too oft ill sailor glee, 
This too ungrateful heart forget 

The Ruler of the sea. 



But, blessed day ! a holy man 

To me a Bible gave. 
That life-boat to the struggling wretch, 

Who darkly beats the wave ; 
And now its blest and warning voice. 

Doth speak good words to me. 
Whene'er my midnight watch I keep 

Upon the lonely sea. 



And then, my mother's image comes 

So pitiful and meek, 
As when with streaming eyes she stood 

Her last farewell to speak ; 



POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 45 

When from her pleasant cottage door 

I made such haste to flee, 
And in my wilful mood forsook 

Her kindness for the sea. 



That Book divine, which bids us shun 

The dread undying flame. 
Doth strictly for our parent-guides, 

A filial reverence claim ; 
But mother, mother, kind and dear, 

How have I honored thee ?, 
With many a pang I paid thy love. 

Before I went to sea. 



God give me grace to see her face. 
And sooth her sorrowing care. 

And freely with her feeble age 
My honest pittance share ; 



46 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 

And once more bending by her side, 

On the repentant knee, 
Hear her fond lips rejoicing bless 

The wanderer from the sea. 



THE SAILOR'S SICK CHILD. 

Come, mother, sit beside my bed, 

And of my father tell. 
On the deep ocean far away. 

Where foaming billows swell ; 
I wish that he were with us now, 

While sick and faint I lie, 
'T were good to hear his loving voice. 

And bless him ere I die. 



THE sailor's sick CHILD. 47 

Mother, it troubles me to see 

Those stranger-ladies come, 
And m'ge you so to leave my side. 

And work for them, at home ; 
Methinks they coldly gaze on me, 

And shake their heads, and say, 
How feeble and how pale I grow. 

And waste, and waste away. 

And oh, it grieves my heart to think. 

From morn to evening shade. 
That you so oft for them must toil, 

And have from me no aid j 
And then, with tender words, you say, 

You wish it were not so, 
But I should have no food or fire. 

Unless you sometimes go. 

When slow the sunset fades away, 
And twilight mists appear, 



48 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 

The sound of your returning step 

Is music to my ear ; 
How happy are those children dear. 

Who, on their couch of pain, 
Behold a mother always near. 

But still, I '11 not complain. 

There 's nought on earth I love so much 

As your dear face to see, 
And now, indeed, the time is short 

We can together be ; 
Still draw me closer to your side, 

And to your bosom fold. 
For then my cough I do not heed. 

Nor feel the winter's cold. 

Yet when the storm is loud and wild, 

I cover up my head. 
And pray Almighty God to save 

My father from the dead ; 



THE sailor's sick CHILD. 49 

So, in his lonely midnight watch 

Upon the tossing sea. 
Perhaps beneath the solemn stars 

He will remember me. 

I know I cannot see him more, 

I feel it must be so, 
But he can find my little grave. 

Where early spring flowers blow ; 
And you will comfort all his cares. 

When I in heaven shall be ; 
But mother, dearest ! when I die, 

Oh ! be alone with me. 



50 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



THE SHIPWRECK. 

The good ship on the iceberg struck, 

Where northern seas were high, 
And midnight with her ebon veil 

Enwrapt the starless sky ; 
It struck! what moment was there then 

To waste in sorrow's strife, 
When but one bold adventurous rush 

Remained 'tween death and life ! 

The boat ! the boat ! it launches forth 

Upon the mountain wave, 
And leaping throngs with frantic haste, 

Essay its power to save ; 



THE SHIPWRECK. 51 

A fragile thing, it tossing strove 

Amid the wrathful tide, 
And deep, unuttered pangs were theirs 

Who left that vessel's side. 



A moonbeam pierced the heavy cloud ! 

O God ! what sight was there ! 
Who stood upon that fated deck, 

In calm and mute despair ! 
A gentle maiden, just aroused 

From slumber soft and dear, 
Stretched her white arms in wild amaze. 

But found no helper near. 



In fond adieu her hand she waved, 
As if some friend she blessed. 

Then closer drew her snowy robe 
Aroimd her youthful breast. 



52 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 

And upward, to the darkened heavens 

Imploring glances cast, 
While her rich curls profusely fell. 

And floated on the blast. 



a 



All sudden, from his wildering trance, 

A manly form did start. 
While a loud, agonizing cry 

Burst from his laboring heart ; 
His bloodless lip was deadly cold. 

Strange lustre filled his eye. 
How can I bear a brother's name, 

Yet leave thee thus to die ! " 



He plunged, the crested wave he ruled. 
He climbed the cloven deck. 

And clasped her, as the thundering surge 
Swept o'er the heaving wreck; 



THE SHIPWRECK. 53 

^' Sweet sister, 't is thy brother's voice, 
His cheek is pressed to thine. 
Together childhood's path we trod, 
Thy last dread couch be mine ! " 



Still looked the moon with pitying eye, 

All lone and silent down. 
Encircling them with holy light. 

As with a martyr's crown, 
Then shrank behind her fleecy veil ; 

Hoarse shrieked the impetuous main. 
The deep sea closed, and where were they ? 

Go ask the angel train ! 



Ah ! noble hearts that night were whelmed 

Beneath the billows high. 
And temples white with honored years, 

And woman's love-lit eye. 



54. POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 

Si 

And clinging to its mother's breast, 
In visions soft and deep, 

Unwakened innocence went down 
Amid the pearls to sleep. 



The slumberers, they who sank that hour 

Without a struggling breath. 
With whom the unbroken dream of life 

So melted into death, — 
Say, turned they not in deep amaze 

To seek the scenes of time, 
When first eternity's dread shore 

Spread out in pomp sublime ? 



Wo, wo was with the living heart ! 

In many a smitten home, 
Where in the garniture of grief 

The weeping inmates come ; 



THE SHIPWRECK. 55 

Round many a lonely hearthstone 

Shall memory's touch restore 
The image of the loved and lost, 

Who must return no more. 



The eye that saw that iceberg dread 

Come drifting darkly down, 
Destruction in its wintry breath 

And on its fearful crown ; 
The ear that heard the deadly crash, 

And thunder of the wave, 
Can never lose the bitter trace 

But in the oblivious grave. 



The rescued man to listening groups 
Shall tell the shuddering tale, 

And mute affection clasp his hand, 
And childhood's cheek be pale ; 



56 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 

And while with quickened heart they bless 

The great Deliverer's care. 
The iceberg and the buried ship, 

Shall wake their tearful prayer. 



HYMN FOR THANKSGIYING DAY.* 

Sons of the boisterous sea, 
With grateful hearts we share 

The blessings of this happy land, 

Which heaven hath made its care ; — 



* Sung by sailors, at their boarding-house in New York, on 
Thanksgiving day, 1844. 



HYMN FOR THANKSGIVING DAY. 57 

Whose glorious flag is borne 

High o'er the ocean's breast, 
Whose strong-winged eagle proudly makes 

Among the stars his nest. 

Not with the cup that drains 

Our best resolves away, 
And leaves its poison in our veins. 

We keep the feast to-day. 

But from the hateful cloud 

Of dark intemperance free. 
We praise the Giver of our joys, 

Who ruleth land and sea ; — 

Who saved us when the surge 
Rolled high in threatening pride. 

And from the shipwreck and the blast, 
When many a comrade died. 



58 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 

And if in Christian love 

His precepts we obey, 
The whole of future life may prove 

One blest Thanksgiving day. 



PRAYER IN SICKNESS. 

Oh Thou, whose healing touch 

So oft the sick did save. 
When thou didst dwell with men below, 

And tread the raging wave ; 

In weakness and in woe, 

I bow my drooping head, 
Oh ! give the pitying angels charge 

To watch my lonely bed. 



PRAYER IN SICKNESS. 59 

Be with me, while the hours 

In speechless suffering roll, 
And make each pain a teacher, Lord, 

Unto my sinful soul. 

Should vigorous health once more 

Reanimate my frame. 
Inspire me with a purer zeal 

To glorify Thy name. ^ 

Thy precepts to obey 

My roving heart incline. 
And grant that both in life and death 

Thy holy will be mine. 



60 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



DELIVERANCE FROM DANGER. 

Ruler of the earth and sky, 
Who the mighty deep doth hold 

In the hollow of Thy hand, 

By thy slightest word controlled ; 

Who the stormy winds dost curb, 
Rushing on their midnight path, 

And the reeling vessel save 

From the tempest of their wrath ; 

Thou from shipwreck and despair 
Didst our souls in safety set, 

When all human help was vain, 
May we ne'er thy love forget ; 



DELIVERANCE FROM DANGER. 61 

Ne'er the tender mercy grieve 
That upheld us when we prayed, 

Nor the sacred promise break 
That in danger's hour we made. 



62 POETRY FOR SEAMEN. 



4 

BURIAL AT SEA. 



Down to unfathomed depths, 
Where hidden fountains flow, 

Alone, his dreary bed to find, 
The child of earth must go. 

For him no funeral bell 

May weeping friends convene. 
Nor dust to kindred dust be laid 

Within the church-yard green. 

Farewell ! one heavy plunge ! 

One cleft in ocean's floor ! 
And then the deaf and sullen surge 

Sweeps on, and all is o'er. 



BURIAL AT SEA. 



63 



We give thee earnest charge, 

Oh sadj and solemn deep. 
Safe in thy cold and strong embrace 

This precious form to keep ; 

Till at the trumpet's sound, 

Which fills* the world with dread. 

Thy caverns and the graves of earth 
Shall render up their dead : 

Then clothed in glorious light, 

May this our friend arise. 
And change thy dark, imprisoning cell. 

For freedom in the skies. 



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